7th International Women and Girls in Science day focuses on clean water and sanitation
Today marks a celebration of women and girls in science as we continue to work towards equality and opportunity for everyone. It is the 7th year of this international day with 2022’s theme being; “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us.” On the 11th of February 2022, the 7th assembly will take place in virtual format from UN Headquarters in New York. This will be aiming to recognize the role of women and girls in science, not only as beneficiaries, but also as agents of change, including accelerating progress towards the achievement of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
The 7th Assembly will bring together women in science and experts from around the world to discuss the water nexus in achieving the three pillars of sustainable development – economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity. High-level government officials, representatives of international organizations, and the private sector will all be represented as a part of the assembly and work towards bringing change.
|| “it has become a desperate situation”
UN reports show that billions of people around the world will be unable to access safe household drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services in 2030 unless progress rates quadruple. Challenges around safe water include a rise in demand, poor management or maintenance, failure to conserve water resources, and climate change. It has always been an important issue to provide and take care of basic human needs like access to safe and clean water, however it has become a desperate situation needing further support and progress.
|| “more than 884 million people did not have safe water to drink”
The latest information regarding access to clean water was published in 2019 by WHO and UNICEF, which shows that in 2017, more than 884 million people did not have safe water to drink. Progress, however, is being made as the proportion of the global population using safely managed drinking water services has risen from 61% to 71% since 2000. As well as this, the proportion of the global population using safely managed sanitation services also increased, going from 28% to 45%. There is still major room for improvement, however, it is going in the right direction.
In households without onsite water, it is more likely for women and girls to be responsible for collecting water for their family, creating a gender inequality as they have to take time out of school or work in order to do so. In 2017, they were the ones responsible for this in 8 out of 10 household that didn’t access to water.
|| “there is a need for skilled workers within the water sector”
Maintaining and providing water is vital all over the world, including projects closer to home. With constant upkeep needed, upgrading current systems, and planning and building of new developments, there is a need for skilled workers within the water sector, creating a range of vacancies. Vacancies available to both men and women, and with women making up just 24% of the core STEM workforce in the UK, there is a long road to equality ahead. Again, improvements have been made as we’ve seen the industry increase both the amount of female scientists, engineers, etc. and also the level of the positions held by women. More managers and leading positions are being filled, and continuing this drive towards equal opportunities brings a great range of benefits to companies and the workforce itself.
|| “Let us help you find a job you can be proud of and succeed in.”
Get involved in some of our major water projects by contacting our trusted water recruitment consultants on 01489 774010 or search through our jobs on our website. Let us help you find a job you can be proud of and succeed in. Our trusted recruitment agency has placed thousands of candidates over the years and those numbers aren’t slowing down. We can support you and guide you through the process, making sure you’re kept in the know at all times with our honest transparency.
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